English Paceman Mark Wood Reveals Reserved Optimism for The Ashes Series Opener

The English pace spearhead Mark Wood says he is "cautiously optimistic" about his fitness for the first Test of the Ashes series down under.

Wood has not played since a Champions Trophy defeat by Afghanistan last winter and had an operation on a left knee injury this spring.

That tournament and tour of India that preceded it marked his comeback after an elbow problem that had kept him out for many months.

"It was a frustrating summer," Wood stated. "I didn't get to play any cricket and my knee, at times, when you think that you're just about ready, it was not just quite there."

"I faced setbacks a couple of times, but during the training camp progress has been positive. We've used the radar gun and my speed is increasing."

The first match of the series starts on 21 November at Perth, with England aiming to win their initial series win in Australia in over a decade.

"Hopefully, I'm in form, delivering effectively in the practice games and in the nets, and can put my hand up for that game [Ashes opener]," Wood continued, who last played a Test versus Sri Lanka over a year back.

"The rehab hasn't just been a smooth process, it had its ups and downs, but I'm in a good position now and hope to push forward toward the match."

"I never want to give an answer claiming, 'Yes, I'm pumped, I'm set'. I feel assured at the minute and feeling a lot more positive, so I'm quietly confident."

Australian Fitness Concerns

At the same time, Australia's concerns over the fitness of players has resulted in player Cameron Green being replaced by Marnus Labuschagne for the three-match one-day series against India, which starts on Sunday.

The Aussies also have doubts about the fitness of captain Pat Cummins, who has not played since mid-year due to a back injury affecting his spine.

"Cameron Green has been ruled out of the [India] series having experienced low-grade side soreness at training this week," the cricket board stated.

"He will undergo a short period of rehabilitation and is expected to be back to play in round three of the Sheffield Shield to continue his preparation for the Ashes."

Round three of Australia's domestic Sheffield Shield competition is scheduled to start on 28 October.